DNA Structure
Genetic Code
Mutations
Protein Synthesis
VOCAB!!
100

What shape is the DNA molecule

Double helix

100

What is a codon?

A sequence of 3 bases in mRNA that codes for one amino acid

100

What is a mutation?

A change in the DNA sequence

100

What are the two main stages of protein synthesis? 

Transcription and translation

100

What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonucleic acid

200

What are the four bases found in DNA?

Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine

200

Which molecule carries codons

mRNA

200

What type of mutation replaces one base with another?

Substitution

200

Where does transcription occur in a cell?

In the nucleus

200

What do we call a full set of an organism's DNA? 

Genome

300

Which two parts make up the DNA backbone

Sugar and phosphate

300

What is the role of tRNA in translation

Brings the correct amino acid to the ribosome

300

Which type of mutation has the biggest impact on the protein: substitution or frameshift

Frameshift

300

What is produced at the end of translation? 

A polypeptide (protein)

300

What is a ribosome? 

An organelle that acts as a 'Protein Factory'. Where the second part of protein synthesis takes place. 

400

What type of bond holds the base pairs together

Hydrogen bonds

400

Why is DNA considered 'highly conserved'? 


Because it's core sequences and functions are remarkably similar across diverse living organisms.

400

Name one possible effect of a silent mutation

No change to the amino acid sequence

400

What is the role of the ribosome? 

It reads mRNA and joins amino acids together

400

Which enzyme builds mRNA during transcription? 

RNA polymerase

500

Explain how the structure of DNA enables it to be copied accurately during replication

Complementary base pairing (A-T, C-G) allows each strand to act as a template. DNA polymerase adds matching nucleotides, producing identical copies.

500

Describe how the genetic code ensures the correct sequence of amino acids in a protein

Each mRNA codon matches a specific tRNA anticodon with a linked amino acid. The sequence of codons determines the order of amino acids joined in the ribosome

500

Explain how a mutation in a DNA base sequence could lead to a non-functional protein.

A change in the base sequence may alter a codon, changing the amino acid. This can affect the protein’s folding or active site, making it non-functional.

500

Outline the steps from DNA to a finished protein, naming the key molecules involved. 

DNA is transcribed to mRNA in the nucleus. mRNA exits to the cytoplasm and attaches to a ribosome. tRNA molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, where codons are matched and a polypeptide is formed. 

500

Spell out loud the full name for DNA. No looking at your notes!!

D-E-O-X-Y-R-I-B-O-N-U-C-L-E-I-C A-C-I-D

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